A trip to the English capital is incomplete without a visit to the London Eye. An architectural marvel that is known to many tourists around the world spinning its wheel since 2000. This famous Eye has become one of the favourite pop culture references in television, movies, books, and magazines for London but a bigger version is about to take shape in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ain Dubai is soon-to-be the world’s largest observation wheel set to open in December of this year (2018) surpassing the well-known London Eye.
Once completed, Ain Dubai is going to be the city’s monumental landmark and a focal point of Dubai tourism spinning wheel along the world’s most famous observation wheels including the London Eye. If you’re still thinking what is it about this upcoming giant wheel, let’s have an eye to eye comparison of the two wheels - obviously, Dubai’s won’t let us behind.
NAME
Ain Dubai: Previously known as the Dubai Eye but has been officially changed to Ain Dubai. “Ain” an Arabic word which means eye.
London Eye: Previously known as the Millennium Wheel but it was changed to the London Eye in 2011.
OPENING DATE
Ain Dubai: December 2018 - Due date
London Eye: March 2000 - Open to the general public
CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
Ain Dubai: 5 years (2013 to 2018)
London Eye: 2 years (1998 to 2000)
COST
Ain Dubai: Approx AED 1 Billion (GBP 208 Million )
London Eye: Approx AED 364 Million (GBP 70 Million)
HEIGHT
Ain Dubai: Measuring 210 metres high with a diameter of 250 metres. Once completed, Ain Dubai is soon-to-be the largest observation wheel providing visitors unobstructed 360-degree views of the Dubai Marina and landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa. Ain Dubai is 75 metres taller than the London Eye.
London Eye: Once become the world’s tallest observation wheel at 135 metres high with a diameter of 120 metres. London Eye offers 25 km panoramic views of the English capital.
ROTATION TIME
Ain Dubai: 48 minutes to complete a full revolution of the Ain Dubai.
London Eye: 30 minutes to complete a full revolution of the London Eye.
CAPACITY
Ain Dubai: Ain Dubai will have double-glazed 48 capsules, each can accommodate 40 persons and can hold a total of 1,400 passengers at one time
London Eye: London Eye has 32 sealed and air-conditioned ovoidal capsules, each can carry 25 persons and can hold a total of 800 passengers at one time.
LOCATION
Ain Dubai: The construction of Ain Dubai is underway and is positioned in Dubai’s Bluewaters Island located across Jumeirah Beach Residences. The upcoming wheel is going to be the centrepiece of the man-made island alongside residential properties, retail, and hospitality areas.
London Eye: Located on the South Bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Lambeth. London Eye is positioned close to the city’s famous landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and the Shard.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Ain Dubai: Numerous properties for sale are available near the location of Ain Dubai in Bluewaters Island. The master community will offer 10 mid-rise buildings that will feature high-end apartments, penthouses, and townhouses, all are available for sale. The area will also host a plethora of entertainment, retail, and dining options.
London Eye: The establishment of this world-class structure provides a perfect setting for London’s most breathtaking and high-end residences. The area has become one of the most sought-after riverside residential destinations featuring plenty of entertainment and dining options as well as community offerings.
Two great cities, two world-class modern marvels, Dubai and London, both have distinct and exciting offerings for us. Maybe some of you had a glimpse of the famous London Eye, but everyone’s hearing now that a bigger version is coming soon in the shores of Dubai.
Are you excited to take a ride in the world’s largest observation wheel? Let’s keep an eye on the much anticipated Dubai’s landmark - Ain Dubai.
In case you want to live next to this much anticipated Dubai landmark, contact us.